Continent

Asia

The world’s largest and most populous continent — ancient civilisations, towering mountain ranges, megacities and extraordinary cultural diversity.

Countries44
Population4.7B
Area44.6M km2
Known forHimalayas, megacities, culture

Overview

Area44.6 million km2
Population4.7 billion
Population ranking#1
Share of world population59%
Countries44
Largest countryChina
Smallest countryMaldives
Time zonesUTC +2 to +12

Key Stats

Human development
High
Safety index
55
Internet access
64%
Life expectancy
74 years
GDP nominal
$36T

Sources: UN, World Bank, Numbeo.

Top 5 Countries by Population

China
1,410M
India
1,400M
Indonesia
278M
Pakistan
230M
Bangladesh
170M

Landscape & Nature

8,849 mHighest point
29%Forest cover
62,800 kmCoastline
8Climate zones

Top 3 Highest Mountains

Mount Everest8,849 m
K28,611 m
Kangchenjunga8,586 m

Regions

EastChina, Japan, South Korea — high density, technology and deep cultural heritage
SouthIndian subcontinent, tropical climates, ancient civilisations and vast populations
SoutheastIsland chains, rainforests, maritime trade and tourism corridors
Central & WestSteppes, deserts, oil states, Silk Road corridors and the Caucasus

Why Asia?

Highest peaksThe Himalayas, Karakoram and Hindu Kush contain all 14 eight-thousanders.
Ancient civilisationsChina, India, Mesopotamia, Persia and Japan — millennia of written history.
MegacitiesTokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, Mumbai and Jakarta among the world’s largest cities.
Food & cultureThousands of distinct cuisines, languages, festivals and artistic traditions.
Coastlines & islandsSoutheast Asian archipelagos, tropical beaches and coral seas.